October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and one local business owner is doing her part to help women in crisis.

Jackie Chaisson still remembers barely surviving abuse over 20 years ago.

Someone told her about the Faith House organization. When the abuse got unbearable, she remembered the address and ran for her life.

“My abuser actually played Russian Roulette with me with a gun, and I escaped on foot,” Chaisson told KLFY’s Kellie Brown.

Chaisson and her husband own the Huddle House in Scott. She is now asking customers to support the organization that helped save her life so many years ago.

Faith House is a domestic violence crisis center and shelter based in Lafayette.

The non-profit program serves seven parishes including: Lafayette, Vermilion, Acadia, St. Landry, Evangeline, Rapides, and Avoyelles.

All services are free and completely confidential.

“I got out and I just want to be able to make that possible for someone else that’s going through the same thing that I went through,” Chaisson said.

Faith House also offers housing and long-term support for women and children.

Donations such as toiletries and everyday household items are always needed.

Chaisson said as a survivor and longtime volunteer, the biggest piece of advice she can give is to always have a plan.

“Reach out to Faith House, they are there, talk to a friend or just get a safety plan,” Chaisson explained.

Statistics show that domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

Louisiana ranks fourth in the nation for the number of women murdered by men, according to statistics from the Violence Policy Center.Click here to find out more information about Faith House